8 Best Pruning Shears of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Make every garden clean-up a breeze with the right pair of pruners.
Stacy Tornio
Tested by Stacy Tornio
A good set of pruning shears can make all the difference in your gardening routine. Whether you're trimming back overgrown shrubs or simply tidying up your flower beds, the right pruners can turn a tedious task into a quick and efficient job. With so many types of pruners available, from those designed for heavy-duty branches to ones perfect for delicate snips, finding the right tool can greatly improve your gardening experience.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the best pruning shears on the market. No matter the size or scope of your garden clean-up, these pruners are sure to help you keep your garden in top shape. Let's explore the top picks that can make your pruning tasks easier and more effective.
Our Top Pruning Shear Picks
How We Tested
To ensure we found the best pruning shears on the market, we started by thoroughly researching available pruner brands and products, purchasing 20 different pairs across pruner varieties like bypass, anvil, ratchet, snips and electric. We put each pair through a comprehensive testing process, beginning the moment they were removed from the package.
Stacy Tornio
We examined everything, from their initial feel in hand to their performance in a variety of garden tasks. We tested these pruners on branches of all sizes, paying close attention to the grip and comfort during extended use. We made numerous snips and cuts, evaluating the smoothness of the cut and their overall ease.
Stacy Tornio
Ultimately, a lot of our testing came down to the pruners' design and how they felt in hand. This can be difficult to quantify, but with enough testing, the top picks rise to the top. Our hands-on approach allowed us to identify the pruners that not only performed well but also felt right during use, ensuring you'll have the best tools for the job.
Learn More About Pruning
How to Prune Shrubs
If your yard is looking a little overgrown, your shrubs and bushes may need a trim. Here's what to cut and what to leave so your garden looks great.
How to Prune Roses
Pruning your roses will help increase blooming and decrease disease and pests. Follow these steps to learn how to make the right cuts.
How to Prune Trees
Pruning trees doesn't have to be a daunting process. Learn how to safely, quickly and easily prune the trees in your yard.
- Great and easy cuts, up to 1 inch
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Self-cleaning sap groove
- Handles could be more cushy
If you need a durable pruner that makes gardening easier, the Corona Forged Classic Bypass Pruner is a great choice. Made with MAXFORGED steel, these pruners stay sharp longer and handle both green and dry branches with ease. The hand-matched hook and blade ensure precise cuts, while the self-cleaning sap groove keeps everything running smoothly. With a comfortable, nonslip grip for medium to large hands and a limited lifetime warranty, these pruners are built to last through many seasons of gardening. Plus, Corona's commitment to eco-friendly practices adds a thoughtful touch to a reliable tool.
- Blade Material Coronium steel
- Type Bypass
- Maximum Cut Capacity Up to 1 inch
- Weight 0.85 pounds
- Precise, easy cut
- Compact and lightweight
- Affordable
- Limited use
- Can’t use on larger branches
The VIVOSUN Curved Gardening Pruner Snips are designed for precision, with curved blades that help you avoid cutting anything but what you intend. Ideal for delicate tasks like trimming roses or shaping bonsai, they allow for precise cuts without damaging other stems. The spring-loaded design reduces hand strain, making it great for those with wrist issues, while the comfortable grip handles and secure locking mechanism add convenience. Perfect for both right and left-handed users, these snips are a versatile and efficient tool for detailed garden work.
- Blade Material Stainless steel
- Type Snips
- Maximum Cut Capacity N/A
- Weight 0.15 pounds
- Very comfortable to use
- Rust-resistant
- Sharp, clean cuts
- Handles could be more comfortable
The Haus & Garten ClassicPRO Bypass Pruning Shears are crafted from Japanese steel, ensuring sharp, clean cuts that promote healthy plant growth. With ergonomic handles, cushioned grips and shock-absorbing pads, they're designed to reduce hand fatigue and wrist strain, making them perfect for smaller hands or those with arthritis. Built from rust-resistant aluminum with titanium blades, these durable pruners are ready for any gardening task, from trimming branches to shaping indoor plants. Designed to last season after season, these shears are a reliable choice for both professional landscapers and home gardeners.
- Blade Material Japanese steel
- Type Bypass
- Maximum Cut Capacity Up to 1 inch
- Weight 0.56 pounds
- Great quality feel
- Strong, clean cuts
- Easy safety mechanic
- Higher in price
The Original LÖWE 1 Professional Anvil Pruning Shears stand out with their ability to make clean cuts through both big and small branches and twigs. The carbon steel blade, coated to reduce friction and resist rust, adds to their durability. We also found the safety lock easy to use, making the shears a convenient option for everyday garden tasks. Designed for medium to large hands, these pruners offer solid handling and are built to last, with replaceable parts for long-term use. Made in Germany, they're a reliable choice for those who need a sturdy tool in their gardening kit.
- Blade Material Carbon steel
- Type Anvil
- Maximum Cut Capacity Nearly 1 inch
- Weight 0.63 pounds
- Great, compact size
- Easy to use
- Comfortable
- Limitations because of size
The Fiskars Micro-Tip Rose Pruning Snips are a must-have for any gardener's toolkit, especially when it comes to detailed pruning tasks. With their compact six-inch design, these shears are perfect for making those small, precise cuts that keep your garden looking its best. The micro-tip blades ensure clean cuts right to the tip, making them ideal for tasks like trimming flower stems or maintaining a tidy herb garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these shears are a reliable tool that deserves a spot in your gardening bag.
- Blade Material Stainless steel
- Type Snips
- Maximum Cut Capacity Up to 0.5 inches
- Weight 0.17 pounds
- Powerful
- Enjoyable to use
- Makes pruning fast and easy
- Bulkier than small pruners
- Has to be recharged
If you're in the market for a powerful electric pruner, the DEWALT 20V MAX Electric Pruner stands out as a top choice. It's perfect for those who need to cover a lot of ground with minimal effort. The nonstick-coated blades make for smooth, swift cuts, ensuring that even tougher jobs are handled with ease. One of its standout features is the quick blade change system, allowing you to switch blades effortlessly with the included tool. Even though it's quite powerful, it's still lightweight, making it easy to handle over long periods. With the ability to make 1,100 cuts in one charge, it should help you take care of all your pruning needs. Already have a DeWalt battery? You can also snag the electric pruners without the battery and charger kit for less.
- Blade Material High-speed steel
- Type Electric
- Maximum Cut Capacity Up to 1.5 inches
- Weight 7.4 pounds
- Thick cutting capacity
- Comfortable to use
- Ergonomically designed
- Not quite as smooth as some others
If you're looking for pruners that make your gardening tasks easier and pain-free, the EZ Kut Heavy-Duty Ratchet Pruning Shears might just be the ones for you. Designed with an ergonomic handle these pruners are built to reduce hand fatigue and wrist strain. The ratcheting mechanism means you need less hand power to get the job done. With a cutting capacity of up to 1.5 inches, they're powerful enough for larger branches yet easy to handle.
- Blade Material Carbon steel
- Type Ratchet
- Maximum Cut Capacity Up to 1.5 inches
- Weight 0.44 pounds
- Comfortable in hand
- Feels high quality
- Sharp and easy to use
- More expensive than others
If you're willing to invest a bit more in your gardening tools, the Felco F-2 Classic Manual Hand Pruner is worth the splurge. The Felco brand is known for its quality, and these pruners don't disappoint. Perfect for medium to large hands, the pruners also feature a nonslip coating, an anvil blade with a sap groove and rubber cushion shock absorbers to reduce strain during use. Whether you're tackling light pruning tasks or need a tool that can handle frequent use, these pruners are easily adjustable and built to last, backed by a lifetime guarantee with all parts replaceable.
- Blade Material Hardened steel
- Type Anvil
- Maximum Cut Capacity Up to 1 inch
- Weight 0.55 pounds
What to Consider When Buying Pruning Shears
- Type: Pruning shears come in a few different styles, each suited to specific tasks in your garden. Bypass shears are the go-to for most gardeners, offering clean cuts on live plants. Anvil shears, with their single blade that meets a flat surface, are better for tougher, dead wood. If you're working with delicate stems or need precision, snips might be your best bet. And for those who need a little extra help with thicker branches, ratchet shears can make the job much easier by cutting in stages.
- Blade Material: The material of the blade plays a big role in how long your shears will last and how well they'll perform. Stainless steel blades resist rust and stay sharp longer, making them a popular choice. High-carbon steel blades are super sharp and can be easily re-sharpened when needed, but they may require a bit more care to prevent rusting.
- Size and Handle Design: Comfort is important when it comes to pruning shears, especially if you'll be spending a lot of time with them in hand. Look for pruners that fit your hand size well, and don't be afraid to try a few out to see what feels best.
- Cutting Capacity: Check the cutting capacity, which tells you the maximum branch size the shears can handle. For most garden tasks, a cutting capacity of around 1/2 inch is sufficient, but if you're dealing with thicker branches, look for pruners with a larger capacity.
Stacy Tornio
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bypass or anvil pruners better?
The choice between bypass and anvil pruners really depends on what you're cutting. Bypass pruners are generally better for live, green plants because they make clean cuts that help the plant heal quickly. They work like scissors, with two blades that pass by each other, making them ideal for precision cutting. Anvil pruners have a single blade that closes against a flat surface, making them more effective for cutting through dead wood or tougher branches. If you're doing a lot of general pruning, bypass pruners are likely your best bet, but if you're tackling older, woody stems, anvil pruners might be best.
Can you sharpen pruner blades?
Yes, you can sharpen pruner blades, and it's a good idea to do so regularly to keep them in top shape. A sharp blade makes cleaner cuts, which is better for your plants and easier on your hands. You can use a sharpening stone or a specialized tool designed for garden shears. Simply follow the angle of the blade and be sure to clean off any debris before you start.
What are the best pruners for roses?
When it comes to pruning roses, bypass pruners are typically the best choice. Roses have delicate stems that require clean, precise cuts to prevent damage and disease. Bypass pruners, with their scissor-like action, make it easier to achieve those smooth cuts, helping your roses stay healthy and vibrant.
What's the best way to clean and store pruners?
Proper storage and cleaning of your pruners will help them last longer and perform better. After each use, wipe down the blades to remove sap and debris, and if they're particularly dirty, give them a rinse with soapy water. Dry them thoroughly to prevent rust and consider applying a light coating of oil to the blades for extra protection. When storing your pruners, keep them in a dry place, preferably in a sheath or with the blades closed, to protect the edges. Regular maintenance like this will keep your pruners in great shape for years to come.
Stacy Tornio
Why You Should Trust Our Tester
Stacy Tornio is a writer and author based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She's proud to be both a master naturalist and master gardener, and she was also an editor for Birds & Blooms magazine for 10 years. She has spent more than a decade testing gardening products for gardening publications, and she's always on the lookout for tools that make gardening tasks more efficient and enjoyable. When it comes to pruning, she knows the importance of having the right tool for the job. She was excited to try out all the pruners on a set of overgrown shrubs in her garden.
Why You Should Trust HGTV Shopping Experts
HGTV Shopping Experts believe the best method for testing products is based on how our fans are going to use them in the real world. In each of our Tested and Reviewed stories, products are not tested in sterile laboratory settings that don't mimic real life. Instead, we test products in real homes that reflect our readers' real lives, which can also include pets, kids, partners and more. We follow rigorous testing rubrics designed by our expert editors and take copious notes during the testing process. When choosing our top picks, we evaluate all of our testing data and take into consideration many factors including ease of use, price, product availability and practicality. Our goal is to choose the best products for our readers.
